Is Rhododendron safe for dogs and cats?
Ask your vet about your own pet. This page is general information from the sources below.
ASPCA reports Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.): listed as toxic to dogs and toxic to cats. Vomiting, diarrhea, a lot of drooling, weakness, low blood pressure, coma and collapse; signs usually start within a few hours. The ASPCA says even a few leaves can cause serious problems. Call a vet or a poison line right away. If a pet chews it, call your vet or a pet poison line.
Checked October 29, 2026.
Also called: rosebay, azalea. Rhododendron spp..
What in it is the problem
Grayanotoxin (printed as "grayantoxin"), which disturbs muscle, heart and nerve function.
What it can do
Vomiting, diarrhea, a lot of drooling, weakness, low blood pressure, coma and collapse; signs usually start within a few hours.
Good to know
The ASPCA says even a few leaves can cause serious problems. Call a vet or a poison line right away.
Did your pet chew it?
Call your vet or a pet poison line, and say what plant, how much and when. If you aren't sure which plant it was, take a photo of it.
Poison emergency? Call now
ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435, 24 hours a day, every day. A consultation fee may apply.
Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661, 24/7. $99 per incident, follow-up calls included.
Or call your vet or the nearest emergency vet.
For the children
"Some plants can make pets sick, and lilies are very dangerous for cats. Ask a grown-up before you bring a plant or flowers inside."
A job: Be the plant checker. Help a grown-up look up each plant in the house on this site, and write the ones to keep away on a list.
This page is general information from the sources below, not veterinary advice. Common names are shared by different plants, so check the Latin name.
Sources
- ASPCA: Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Rhododendron (checked October 29, 2026)